The San Francisco 49ers are set to take on the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. Thankfully, quarterback Brock Purdy should have most of his weapons at his disposal, but his first touchdown pass could very easily be thrown to wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
The Niners got good news with Jauan Jennings reporting to practice and ending his contract dispute. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he expects Jennings to suit up and play on Sunday. Right guard Dominick Puni also appears to be on track to return from injury and play in the game.
Remarkably, every player on San Francisco's 53-man roster has practiced in some capacity, so it seems the health of the team is very much trending in the right direction.
Even though Purdy will benefit from likely having weapons like Jennings and rookie Jordan Watkins available, Pearsall is still the offensive weapon who makes the most sense to catch a touchdown pass from Purdy and maybe even have a breakout game.
Brock Purdy connection with Ricky Pearsall will be X-factor to watch vs. Seahawks
The chemistry between Pearsall and Purdy throughout training camp and the preseason was palpable. Sure, it was just practice and games that do not actually count, but those are still important reps that have allowed Purdy and Pearsall to get on the same page.
It bears mentioning that those two were unable to establish that same chemistry last year prior to the regular season because Pearsall was injured and then suffered a gunshot wound during an attempted robbery on the eve of the regular season beginning.
Now that the second-year pro is healthy and can actually practice, he will come into his second year with a lot more confidence especially after he had some solid showings to close out the 2024 season.
Why does Pearsall make the most sense to catch Purdy's first touchdown pass, though? After all, the team still does have one of the best running backs in the game in Christian McCaffrey and one of the best tight ends in the game in George Kittle.
The Hawks know that as well, which is why it would make sense for them to try to take away Kittle and McCaffrey in the passing game. Seattle's head coach Mike Macdonald has a defensive background, so he is surely going to try to force the 49ers to beat them by making Purdy throw to his receivers.
If the Seahawks are successful in that effort, then it would make sense for Purdy to target Pearsall a lot.
Yes, Purdy has had great chemistry with Jennings in the past, but after the quasi-hold-out with the calf injury, Jennings may be a little rusty and behind schedule.
That is going to open the door for Pearsall, which is why he is a good bet to catch Purdy's first touchdown pass of the season.